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“Happy That PM Understood Concerns”: Minister On Lateral Entry Withdrawal

“Happy That PM Understood Concerns”: Minister On Lateral Entry Withdrawal

by | Aug 20, 2024 | top-stories



Union Minister Chirag Paswan thanked the Prime Minister Modi.

The Centre today requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its advertisement for lateral entry into bureaucracy, a reversal following criticism from the Opposition and pressure from ally Chirag Paswan, who had reservations against the move. After the government’s U-turn, the minister thanked the Prime Minister who “understood the concerns of people from SC/ST and OBCs”.

UPSC last week issued an advertisement seeking “talented and motivated Indian nationals” for lateral recruitment to various senior positions within the Union government. These positions included Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary in 24 ministries, with a total of 45 posts up for grabs.

Yesterday, Mr Paswan said that “reservation provisions must be there in any government appointment. There are no ifs and buts in this. No reservation exists in the private sector and if it is not implemented in government positions as well…”

Mr Paswan said he was in with the Prime Minister and his office and said he held in-depth discussions with me and added that “I submitted relevant documents to his office. In all kinds of government appointments, rules of the reservation should be followed by the government,” says Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan at a press conference in Patna, Bihar.”

The Union Minister thanked the Prime Minister and said, “I am happy that my Prime Minister Modiji understood the concerns of SC/ST and backward people. My party LJP (Ram Vilas) and I thank PM Modi.”

The lateral entry move was shredded by the Congress, who called it a ploy to snatch jobs from disadvantaged classes and give it to cadres of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, the BJP’s ideological mentor.

The Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have alleged that it is a “conspiracy” by the BJP to appoint its ideological allies to high posts through the back door.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that while the UPA government introduced lateral entry to appoint select experts in some areas, the NDA government is using it to “snatch the rights” of Dalits, tribals and backward classes.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said the Congress’ criticism of the lateral entry system exposes its “hypocrisy”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Vaishnaw said. “INC (Indian National Congress) hypocrisy is evident on lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry,” he said.





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Sudha Murty Clarifies Raksha Bandhan Post On X After Backlash

Sudha Murty Clarifies Raksha Bandhan Post On X After Backlash

by | Aug 19, 2024 | top-stories


A thread indicates that somebody should come and help me, she said.

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty shared a message on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and explained how it is an “important festival” for her and the value a thread or rakhi holds. The Infosys Chairman’s wife also shared the story behind the festival, which sparked a debate on social media platform X, with users differing from her. She later issued a clarification and said he intention was to highlight one of the many stories she learnt about when growing up.

“Raksha Bandha is an important festival for me, where a sister ties a thread indicating that in case of any difficulty, you should always be there to help me,” she said in a video message posted on X.

The wife of the Infosys Chairman shared the story behind the festival and said, “It goes back to when Rani Karnavati (from the Kingdom of Mewar) was in danger after her kingdom, which was small, came under attack. She did not know what to do. She sent a small piece of thread to Mughal Emperor Humayun and said I’m in danger please consider me as your sister. Please do come and protect me.”

Ms Murty said, “Humayun did not know what it was…he asked what is this and the locals said this is a call of a sister to a brother…this is the custom of the land,” adding, “The emperor said okay if this is the case then I will help Rani Karnavati. He left Delhi but couldn’t reach there on time and Karnavati died.”

“This idea is when you’re facing a threat or in distress. A thread indicates that somebody should come and help me and it means a lot…” she added.

However, several users on X differed and said the story goes back to the time of Mahabharat and not post-medieval India. Users said, that during the time of Mahabharat, Lord Krishna inadvertently cut his finger while using the Sudarshan chakra to kill King Shishupal. Draupadi covered the wound with a piece of cloth. 

Lord Krishna was touched by her deed and promised to keep her safe from any harm. During the Chirharan incident, when the Kauravas tried to shame and dishonour Draupadi, Lord Krishna appeared and protected her when no one else could.

The Rajya Sabha MP later issued a clarification and said, “The story I shared on Raksha Bandhan is just one of many tales associated with the festival and certainly not its origin. I mentioned in the video that, “this was already a custom of the land. My intention was to highlight one of the many stories I learnt about when growing up, about the beautiful symbolism behind Raksha Bandhan.”

There are several stories on the history of the festival including the story of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. King Bali was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and he took the responsibility to protect Bali’s Kingdom for which he left Vikundam. Goddess Lakshmi wanted to stay with her husband Lord Vishnu. 

She tied Rakhi on King Bali’s wrist on the full moon day called Shravana Purnima. It is believed that since that day onwards it has become a custom to invite one’s sister on Shravana Purnima to tie an auspicious thread of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan.





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After Rahul Gandhi's Attack On Lateral Entry, BJP's “UPA's Time” Reminder

After Rahul Gandhi's Attack On Lateral Entry, BJP's “UPA's Time” Reminder

by | Aug 18, 2024 | top-stories


Sources said lateral entry will help bring specialised skills in government service

New Delhi:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the lateral entry concept has had a boomerang effect on him, according to the BJP, as the ruling party leaders pointed out that it was the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government which developed the concept in the first place.

Mr Gandhi had in a post on X alleged the Modi government is trying to recruit officers loyal to the BJP’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh through lateral entry, and not via the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

“Reservation of SC, ST and OBC categories is being snatched away by recruiting through lateral entry for important posts in various ministries of the central government,” Mr Gandhi alleged in the post.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was among BJP leaders who shot back.

“INC hypocrisy is evident on the lateral entry matter. It was the UPA government which developed the concept of lateral entry. The second Admin Reforms Commission (ARC) was established in 2005 under the UPA government,” Mr Vaishnaw said in a post on X.

“Shri Veerappa Moily chaired it [ARC]. UPA-period ARC recommended recruitment of experts to fill gaps in roles that require specialised knowledge. The NDA government has created a transparent method to implement this recommendation. Recruitment will be done through UPSC in a transparent and fair manner. This reform will improve governance,” Mr Vaishnaw said.

Sources said the ARC identified that certain government roles needed specialised knowledge not always available within the traditional civil services, and it had recommended recruiting professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings to fill these gaps.

The ARC had proposed the creation of a talent pool of professionals who could be inducted into the government on a short-term or contractual basis, bringing fresh perspectives and cutting-edge expertise in areas such as economics, finance, technology, and public policy, sources said.

The ARC also stressed the importance of integrating lateral entrants into the existing civil services in a manner that maintains the integrity and ethos of the civil service while leveraging the specialised skills they bring, sources said.

The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, driven by the recognition of the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of India’s administrative machinery.

In 2018, the government took a significant step by announcing vacancies for senior positions such as joint secretaries and directors, marking the first time that professionals from both the private and public sectors were invited to apply for these high-level roles. The selection process was rigorous, emphasising candidates’ qualifications, experience, and suitability for these strategic positions.





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Harbhajan Singh's “Call For Justice, Introspection” To Mamata Banerjee

Harbhajan Singh's “Call For Justice, Introspection” To Mamata Banerjee

by | Aug 18, 2024 | top-stories


Harbhajan Singh wrote a two-page letter, demanding justice for Kolkata rape and murder victim.

New Delhi:

Former Indian cricketer and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Harbhajan Singh today wrote a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing his “deep anguish” over the delay in justice for the Kolkata rape and murder victim.

His letter comes over a week after a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the seminar hall of the government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The August 9 incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. 

The letter, which was addressed to Ms Banerjee, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, and the citizens of India, was a call for “justice and introspection”, Mr Singh wrote.

“This unspeakable act of violence, which shook the conscience of all of us, is not just a heinous crime against one individual but a grave assault on the dignity and safety of every woman in our society. It is a reflection of the deeply rooted issues within our society and a blatant reminder of the urgent need for systemic change and action by the authorities,” he said in the two-page letter, which was also shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“The fact that such an atrocity could occur within the premises of a medical institution, a place dedicated to healing and saving lives, is both shocking and unacceptable,” Mr Singh said.

He said that more than a week has lapsed and we are yet to see any “concrete action”, adding that it has led the doctors and the medical community to protest on roads.

“Their (doctors) protests are understood and I wholeheartedly support the medical community in their fight for their cause of justice,” he said.

“The medical community is already working in challenging conditions. With such incidents, how can we expect them to perform their duties with dedication when their own safety is so gravely compromised?,” the Rajya Sabha MP asked.

He urged the West Bengal government and the investigating agency, CBI, to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that the perpetrators of this “vile act” are brought to justice swiftly.

Mr Singh also said that such incidents are reported from different parts of the country and “have become regular columns” on newspapers and TV programmes.

“The governments must implement comprehensive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he wrote.





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Cops Probing Conspiracy Angle Into Kolkata Hospital Vandalism: 5 Points

Cops Probing Conspiracy Angle Into Kolkata Hospital Vandalism: 5 Points

by | Aug 17, 2024 | top-stories


Huge protests have been held over the rape-murder of the Kolkata trainee doctor

Kolkata:
The Kolkata Police are investigating a larger conspiracy behind the vandalism at RG Kar College and Hospital, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the case and has questioned many people.

Here’s your 5-point cheat sheet to this big story

  1. Sources said the police are trying to find out whether the mob had a clear intention of destroying the crime scene, which is the seminar room. The police were able to prevent the mob from damaging the crime scene despite being outnumbered and overpowered.

  2. Sources told NDTV the police investigation is also looking into a possible attempt to lead to unrest by creating a situation where the police would have been compelled to use force during the peaceful protest by citizens at night.

  3. Whether troublemakers had infiltrated the “Reclaim the Night” protest by citizens to create a larger unrest is one of the angles being investigated, sources said.

  4. “We have to be restrained in our response. We cannot be using force just like that,” Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal said. “If a group of people indeed came with the intent to create trouble, give us a little more time, we will find it,” he said.

  5. The police have said they managed to keep the crime scene intact, despite many police personnel getting injured in the attack by the mob.



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“Vandals, Scandals Marring Civic Life In Bengal”: Governor On Kolkata Rape

“Vandals, Scandals Marring Civic Life In Bengal”: Governor On Kolkata Rape

by | Aug 16, 2024 | top-stories



Mr Bose said the medical fraternity stood as a one-man army against Covid.

In caustic comments directed at the West Bengal government after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital and the subsequent vandalism in the campus, Governor CV Ananda Bose has said “vandals and scandals” are marring civic life in the state.

Mincing no words in a wide-ranging interview with NDTV on Friday, the West Bengal governor held Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responsible for the situation in the state, claimed women medical students have told him that their families want them to leave the profession, and said it was disheartening that such incidents were taking place in a land where one of its most illustrious sons had spoken of the mind being without fear.

Mr Bose also said that he has opened a home in the Raj Bhavan, named after the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and killed at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last week. The woman has been given the name ‘Abhaya’ (fearless) and the governor said students who feel threatened will be valued guests at the ‘Abhaya Home’. 

To a question on the politics that has come to surround the handling of the investigation and the protests by doctors and medical students, the governor said, “Scandals and vandals are marring the civic life of Bengal. I was interacting with some medical students. They told me, ‘Please deliver us from the fear psychosis. Please give us protection. We have no security inside the campus and now there is no security outside.’ That is the wailing of the youth, particularly those in the medical profession.”

“Some of the girl students told me they have nowhere to go, they have no security. ‘Our parents are asking us to leave the profession, give back the bond money. Come back. Life is more important than this,’ they told me,” he said, adding that a girl was afraid the “goons” would follow her to her rural posting. 

‘What Bengal Thinks Today…’

Stating that youth are neither creations of the past nor custodians of the present, Mr Bose said they are the creators of the future and it was distressing to see them having to plead for their security like this. 

“What happens on the street in the name of politics is none of my business. But the fact remains that there is a growing fear in Bengal’s society. There is violence everywhere. And all this is happening in Bengal, about which Gopalkrishna Gokhale once said, ‘What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow’. Is this the same Bengal about which Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high’? Democracy is plummeting into mobocracy. That is the distressing spectacle that we see around us. That’s what worries me as a governor,” he said.

Abhaya Home

The governor said he has faith in the CBI, which is investigating the case, and detailed a three-pronged approach that he has taken to ensure that the students’ grievances are addressed.

He said he has utilised his powers under Article 167 of the Constitution and given instructions to the chief minister, apart from taking up the matter with the Centre.

The third measure, an interim one, is the opening of the ‘Abhaya Home’ at Raj Bhavan, the governor’s official residence. 

“Any student who feels threatened can come here. They will be honoured guests, valued guests of the governor. Whatever other long-term measures are to be taken, I have already taken up with the state government as well as with the central government, including adequate legislation guaranteeing security for medicos and paramedics… Everything that is possible for confidence building will be done,” Mr Bose emphasised.

President’s Rule?

Employing wordplay and keeping his cards close to his chest while answering a question on the opposition’s demand for President’s Rule in West Bengal, the governor said, “Demand is demand, let’s see what the supply is. As governor, I would like to be circumspect on such issues. The Constitution has many options. I reserve my options at this moment… I do not want to come out in the public domain about what I’m going to do next under the Constitution of India”. 

‘Chief Minister Responsible 1st, 2nd and 3rd’

Holding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responsible for what is happening in West Bengal, the Governor said that while the cabinet has collective responsibility, the buck stops with her. 

“The cabinet has collective responsibility. Whatever happens in the state, the first responsibility is that of the chief minister, the second responsibility is that of the chief minister and the third responsibility is that of the chief minister,” he said.

Mr Bose insisted he has been getting frantic calls from medical professionals all over India, who have told him they are afraid. 

“The medical fraternity stood as a one-man army against Covid and saved this country. We owe it to them. They don’t deserve such treatment. It is said medicines can cure diseases but only a doctor can cure patients. That is the importance of the medical fraternity, including the paramedics. We cannot let them down,” he stressed. 



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